Hensarling: Paul Ryan Has Track Record of Courage, Accomplishment & Leadership

Statement

U.S. Congressman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, released the following statement upon Paul Ryan's nomination to be the next Speaker of the House by the House Republican Conference.

"It's not my way to kick someone as they're walking out the door, but it's time for a new Speaker. Our nation is in bad shape, Congress is in bad shape, the party is in bad shape. I just think that when you look at the totality of the ingredients you need for a Republican leader right here, right now - Paul Ryan is the guy.

"I don't view the selection of Speaker as just a contest of who has racked up the highest interest group vote rating by simply voting NO on bills.

"What we need right now is somebody who will take the conservative message to non-conservatives. I'm looking for the best communicator of the conservative message of hope and fairness and growth and freedom. I'm looking for the person who has more courage and accomplishment to actually advance the conservative cause through the Republican Conference and beyond. I think Paul Ryan is that person.

"Paul Ryan is the guy who made entitlement reform mainstream for the Republican Party. He's the first guy in a decade to get a balanced budget through the House. He's been our fundamental leader on tax reform; our fundamental leader on budget reform; and our fundamental leader on battling Obamacare.

"I know that a handful of members have supported Dan Webster for Speaker. Daniel Webster is a good guy. However, I believe Dan's vision for reform will give Democrats more latitude, leeway and leverage to influence House proceedings and lead to conservatives having a weaker hand. Paul Ryan has a track record of courage, accomplishment, and leadership that I have seen firsthand, and I look forward to working with him to advance the conservative cause."

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